One (Wo)man's Trash...

I can't believe my daughter threw this wonderfully textured paper into the trash! It was her under paper for some inking and coloring she did on some cardstock suns for decorations at work. It is letter sized and much richer looking in person than this scan shows. I quickly snatched it out of the garbage can. I'm not sure what I will make of it, but I love the colors.

I am also preparing for camp. I head off to Northwest Christian Camp for the Deaf as Craft Director on the 19th. Before I leave, I need to complete craft ideas, write directions for my assistants, make samples and prepare the 3' x 8' board for a pictorial mosaic we will make as a "thank you" gift to the camp facility.



In addition, my daughter and I "have to" defend our title at county grilling champs at the county fair on Saturday the 12th. :-) I still can't believe we won last year! We dubbed our team the Sauce-y Chicks. Michelle designed the barbecue-sauce-splot logo and we collaborated on the Apple-Chipotle recipe. This year we're working on an Asian flavored sauce. (and I hope I don't end the competition by severly spraining my ankle like last year!)

Grandma's Girl

Summer is finally here. I've almost wrapped up things at school. I'm making progress on projects at home. Things are looking up.

Part of the stress-busting includes having my granddaughter over to pick raspberries and blow bubbles. We also stamped this shirt we bought at the dollar store a few days ago. She picked the stamps and colors and showed where she wanted each shape. She helped press the stamps down. I can't wait to do more projects with her this summer. At 3 1/2 she is ripe for art and cooking times with grandma!

The Dress

So, here's the dress on my beautiful younger daughter. After a few unexpected difficulties, we barely got it done on time and had no time for alterations.

She still loved it and her friends liked it, too. The dress is a purple-black taffeta with a blue, bejeweled sheer over the taffeta on the corset. The skirt and corset are two pieces, but we did tack them together for her comfort.

Lots of work. Less than $100 total. And the last prom dress I'll have to make. :-)

(Picture taken about 7 pm - during one of our sun breaks during a crazy-weather day.)

Break Time

Ah. Time to take just a few moments to breathe and maybe run outside to catch that last ray of setting sun - since the forecast isn't so lovely the next few days. A prediction of snow down to 1,000 feet usually makes us wish for that extra 500 feet to get snow on the ground here, but in the last part of April I am ready for more sunny days.

However, maybe a dusting of white would be a welcome sight after seeing nothing but dark purple taffeta for days on end. Okay, so I'm exaggerating a bit. But making a floor-length prom dress from 10 yards of 60" wide taffeta FEELS like mountains. Then, there are the 15 yards of black lining fabric (including the "stay" - a second lining that the poofs of taffeta are tacked to). And don't get me started on how many yards of boning have to be laid down each seam of the corset-style bodice!


Last night, I listened (and occasionally glanced at) HGTV while working away. Tonight, it is just my iTunes and I. I have some oldies, movie soundtracks (Sound of Music, Pirates and Polar Express), contemporary Christian favorites and even Christmas music. It's all playing randomly while I stitch away. I may switch to TV when "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?" comes on, though it is embarrassing how many answers I, as a high school teaher, don't know.

Yeah, I know I shouldn't be grumbling, Lord, but after working hard all day then facing this dress at night don't I deserve a little "poor me" time? No? Yes, it was my choice. (Who could blame me after looking at the prices of store-bought dresses?) And I probably could have pushed harder for my daughter to make a decision about a pattern and fabric earlier. Okay. And I also admit I rather like the challenge of making something (hopefully) stunning out of a few yards of fabric and a spool of thread. Right. My choice. No room for complaining.

And it's time to get back to work!

Flowers

I was hoping to have all my Hawaii flower pictures uploaded to my Flickr account so I could put a flower slide-show on this page, but I have to finish my daughter's prom dress first. (There is no way I can include even a fraction of the photos in one little blog!)

I can't say I was impressed by the flowers the moment we arrived in Kona. After all, it was dark and I couldn't SEE any flowers! However, beginning the next morning from the time I stepped onto the lanai I was treated to such a vast array of colors and shapes and scents... Truly breathtaking!

One of the most awesome memories from the trip was our visit to Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens. Located just north of Hilo, you have to take this twisty, narrow side road for several miles (and of course, they were doing construction on the road when we were there, so that took up half of that narrow road for a bit!). Once we arrived at the gift shop and purchased our tickets, we had a lovely walk down wooden and asphalt trails. Yes, I said "down." The gardens are on a fairly steep hillside, but it isn't too difficult to navigate. And once at the bottom, you can "cheat" like we did and hire the golf cart to take you to the top for just $5!


Everything is clearly labeled, but don't ask the names of all the flowers I took pictures of. If I was just a sight-seer, I might have thought to include the signs with the plants so I'd have that record, but as a photographer, I was more concerned with colors and lighting and cropping. I could have spent many more hours here, but we had a helicopter to catch so could only stay for about 90 minutes.

Another great flower venue was our hotel, the Dolphin Bay Hotel in Hilo. Their grounds were like a miniature botanical gardens, sans the signs. Here we were also treated to beautiful birds and cascades of bananas and clusters of papaya. (You can pick and eat any of the fruit on the grounds while you are there. But they keep fresh fruit in the lobby so you don't have to figure out how to shimmy up the trees!)

Still wondering about that burlap bag below? Soon...

Hmmm...

Now, you know there must be a story behind this. You'll have to come back for a blog update in a day or so to find out!

serendipitous

No vacation is perfect. With so many variables out of our control (weather, traffic, irresponsible customer service representatives,...) one can never be certain that plans will go as expected. So, we take a deep breath and forge ahead and hope for the best.

Perfection aside, our Hawaii trip was especially enjoyable. Time and again when things didn't go as expected, we found they often went better. From having no traffic on the Southern California freeways going into LAX, we had pleasant surprises around nearly every bend in our journey. Mind you, not all the blessings we encountered would have held meaning for other travelers, but for us they were treasures.



After arriving "late" in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii (only 8 pm their time, but that meant 11 pm for us!), we managed to get to our room and flop into bed. Our first morning we brewed and enjoyed the sample of Kona coffee that came with the room sitting on the lanai. I have one of those inquiring minds and must learn about the flora and fauna everywhere I go. I am fascinated by the colors, shapes, sounds and habits of living things. To be in a new location with so many unfamiliar plants, flowers, birds and animals to see... I was thrilled! I saw many new birds and even a mongoose just outside our door. (So glad I bought the new camera and camcorder before going!!)

We were planning two nights on the road (Hilo and Volcano House - yes, the one that was evacuated and closed yesterday because of elevated sulphur dioxide levels at Kilauea), so we packed our things and headed out. Our receptionist didn't know of any good spots near the resort for breakfast, so we figured we'd find something as we went along. We headed south out of town and found there weren't many commercial establishments in that direction. Soon, we started to get hungry and at last spied a small cafe (as we drove past). After we turned around and got back, we found the place was packed. It wouldn't have been a problem to wait, but there were NO parking places to be found. We went on down the road, knowing we had a few granola bars tucked in our luggage, if it came to that.



Luckily, it didn't. Here's where we could really use that "serendipitous" word. I'm sure that first cafe would have been fine, but we wound up at The Coffee Shack, about one mile south of the Captain Cook Post Office on Hwy 11. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but we were hoping for some local flavor. And we got it. Great breakfast, but even better was eating out on the lanai overlooking a beautiful panorama. I wrote notes on most of the fabric postcards I brought to mail to some ladies in my exchange group. Best of all we were accompanied by bright green geckos on the balcony railings! What a treat! The intense blue eyes and cute little toes - what's not to love! (And they didn't try even once to sell me car insurance.)

We left with full bellies, but more importantly we were full of joy and laughter and expectancy. Who knew what was waiting at our next stop?

Pre-Hawaii

Our trip to the Big Island of Hawaii was scheduled during our Spring Break, but due to flight prices, we actually missed two school days at the beginning and another two school days at the end of the break. My daughter and I are usually both very dedicated and responsible at school/work, so I decided a few extra days (for once) would be okay. And I do so want to spend as much time with my mom as possible, since we live so far apart.

We left Salem, OR, early on March 20. I found out later that the weather turned weird that day and included rain, hail and SNOW! Southern California was sunny and much warmer!

While in Upland, CA, for a few days my mom treated my daughter and I to manicures and pedicures for Easter. (Really for the trip, but she justified the extra money by calling it an Easter present!) It was fun and different (not something I treat myself to at home - though I may start...).

My school colors include purple, so I got purple toes. My fingernails become too brittle with polish, so they were just nicely buffed. My daughter chose a rosy color and only afterward realized they were a perfect match for her new filp-flops!




We enjoy time at mom's for lots of reasons. We walk a lot, and that is good for us. She has a few neat stores nearby - including an Italian deli/store that smells wonderful (baked goods, cheeses, herbs,...) and has a great assortment of goodies! We also play dominoes - a game called muggins. We play over and over. It is a great time just chatting and we always wind up laughing so hard we cry.

Aloha!

Where does one start? It can't be a travelogue. No matter how much one tries to describe a place objectively, the "stories" of trips and vacations and holidays invariably weave personal perspective with objective information. We all see the world through the lenses of our past experiences, beliefs and expectations. I suppose the best we can hope for is an audience that appreciates our viewpoints, quirks and eccentricities.

So, welcome to the Big Island as viewed through DeBee colored glasses! It won't always be chronological or even logical, but I hope you enjoy the journey.



The idea began (and continued) with my generous mother inviting my younger daughter and I to go to Hawaii with her. Knowing I struggle to make ends meet each month (and with a daughter looking at college in the fall), she offered to pay our way. How could I say "no"? Besides, I have always wanted to go to Hawaii. Not for the sun and surf, but for the natural elements: flowers, birds, waterfalls and volcanoes.

We researched online and picked what seemed to be a dependable guide book, then set about the task of choosing a package deal, plus a few extras on our own. We ended up with five nights at the Kona Coast Resort, knowing we would actually spend two of those nights in other places (Hilo and Volcano). I started reading the Hilo newspaper online and occasionally browsed images of Kilauea. We began making our "wish list" of things to see and do, knowing our limited time would force us to prioritize along the way. I mapped these on Google Earth and began to get a sense of "the lay of the land."

After nearly 9 months of anticipation, we took off from LAX on Sunday, March 23; finally on the way!

Breathe

Deep inhale. Slowly exhale. Feel the calm. Finally.

After 5 days of intense, long work days I was finally able to finish our special publication for the annual basketball tournament that we host about every 8 years. The students had worked on the design and, once we had the team photos and information from the other 7 schools, had been busy cropping and typing and working on the layouts. Unfortunately, with the many interruptions in recent weeks (not to mention schools that just couldn't seem to get all the correct information to us) they just couldn't meet the printer's deadline - which was Monday (01/14/2008).

Yesterday, I just finished in time to drive the CD to the printer. It was done. (Well, almost. After I dropped it off I realized I hadn't changed some specs on the cover artwork. I'll take 2 minutes and do that first thing this morning, burn a CD and run it to the printer during my prep period.) Now, I can start teaching again and get back to a more normal routine with that huge project off my shoulders. I have to say it was worth the trouble, though. I think this will be the best tournament program ever. Our design rocks!

So, how did I celebrate and reward myself? I took my older dog, Buddy, to PetsMart for his grooming appointment! Then I sat in my car, heater running, trying to decide where to eat dinner and what to do while I waited. I wanted someplace warm as the heater wasn't really working in my classroom and I was still chilled. I finally decided to go to Borders first to pick up a book or magazine to read while dining alone.

After looking around a while and realizing Borders was cold (my nose is the first thing to complain), I decided on a book: Journal Revolution by Linda Woods and karen Dinino. (Rise Up and Create is their motto.) In thumbing through, it looks chock full of various techniques that I can apply to collage, postcards, quilts and whatever art form I am doing in addition to making a fabulous journal (something I've wanted to work on). I used my $5 rewards money (okay, you probably know that I had to SPEND enough money at Borders to get the rewards back!), so didn't feel too bad about indulging myself.

Then I went to Marie Calendars, got a nice booth and had a bowl of split pea soup with their famous corn bread and honey butter. I read the book and ate my soup. Ahh. My cell phone was home charging, so no temptation to call my daughter and check in. I decided to nix the grocery shopping - we could survive another day and that eliminated another activity from my evening.

I finally went back to PetsMart, picked up a few pet supplies (including Christmas clearance toys for my dogs) and got Buddy. I felt so good! I had had about 2 hours of "me" time after the unrelenting stress of recent days and I was happy. The rest of the week will still be busy, but this huge "breath" was what I needed. So glad God gives us the ability to heal our tired souls, if we just take the time..

Staving Off the Darkness

It does happen. Sometimes lightning does strike twice... even three times.

Three weeks ago one of my student's older sister was killed when her car slid on an icy road and crashed. I didn't know the sister, but since I care for my student the loss had an impact on me.

Last week we lost a friend in our Shepherding Group (like a Sunday School class, but more of a family or community). He was just 43. Despite many years of sobriety, the years of substance abuse in his past just took its toll on his body. The loss was sudden and his smile and humor will be sorely missed.

This morning, another accident on an icy road. This time a younger sister of another student. My student was in the vehicle, but had minor injuries. His 14 year old sister has severe brain injury and we're not sure if she'll make it. (We pray for a miracle.)

Sometimes pain or sadness comes in waves. Though these weren't family members nor very close friends, I do get emotional. My first husband died when we were both 23, so I feel the impact of the permanence of death. I remember how grieving wasn't what I expected - full of ups and downs. I remember how it feels to see or hear something and think how you can't wait to tell... then remember they won't be there to hear.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not wallowing in gloom and despair! I am realistic about the struggles with pain and loss on this earth, but I have a Friend who walks with me and holds me at all times. I rejoice for my friend from church because he is no longer in pain. He "runs with the angels on streets made of gold.." (Mark Harris, "I Wish You Were Here") The song will be the basis of an art quilt I will make in his memory - a postcard from heaven.

This evening I used a technique from my Celebrate Your Creative Self workshop group online and created a response I call "Staving Off the Darkeness." (See my Heart Felt Art blog)My heart may feel down or "flattened" by events, but between my poor heart and the multiple "lightning strikes" Christ shields me. He has laid down His life for me and continues to love and protect me during life's storms.

Happy New Year!

Wow. I'm amazed. I actually stayed awake past midnight and rang in 2008 watching the Times Square ball drop (on TV, of course) and making noise with my daughter and her friends (a small sleepover party). I was also working on a jigsaw puzzle, a tradition going back to my youth. (I would always get at least one puzzle for Christmas and would spend New Year's Eve putting it together. It kept me up and gave me hours of uninterrupted time to work on it.) Now begins the most difficult weeks of the year - remembering to write '08!

We always watch the Rose Parade on New Year's morning. I even made the traditional donut run (we always get donuts for the Macy's parade and the Rose parade). I grew up in Southern California and went to the parade in person a couple times. The floats are beautiful on TV, but you can't imagine the true size, color and amazing use of flowers & other natural materials until you see them up close and personal. After the parade, the floats are parked and on display for several days. Our family often went to see them.

A few years ago my younger daughter and I worked on the float for my alma mater, Cal Poly. My crafting and sewing skills came in handy as I had to dress a skeleton in a leather vest (covered with spices) after the skeleton had already been bolted into place. I had to actually sew the vest together by hand on the skeleton (which my daughter was carefully covering with crushed white rice). Later, we helped iron ti leaves and glued them on the sides of the ship.

My New Year's Resolutions? I don't make resolutions any more. I understand and embrace the concept of a fresh new start - out with the old and in with the new, but I need more new starts than once per year. Before, I would make great promises to myself to eat better, exercise more, lose weight and be more consistent with my devotional and Bible study time. But by the middle of January something would have thrown at least one of those resolutions off track. I'd feel like a failure and give up hope of changing.

However, Lamentations 3:22-23 says, "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. New every morning. Now, if I "mess up" on my goals or make mistakes or commit any number of sins, I can begin again immediately. He is always there waiting faithfully when I have been unfaithful.

I look forward to an amazing year of furthering my artistic skills, getting in better shape and improving my "people" skills. These fall under the greater "umbrella" of becoming the woman God wants me to be. I want to journal and write more. I hope to take an art class of some kind. I will travel to Hawaii and maybe Australia/New Zealand with my mom. My younger daughter will graduate from high school and begin college. She is applying to go on a mission trip to Burkina Faso (in West Africa). She wants to teach in West Africa after college, so this would be right up her alley. My older daughter begins the year in a better place than last year, having her own apartment and a job. I pray she will move ahead in her life more this year, too.

God bless each of you. May you reach your goals and live your dreams as you remember His love for you is new every morning!